Rapid Evidence Assessment

Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) is a type of evidence review used by the Civil Service. REA follow methodology similar to that used in systematic review but make concessions to the breadth or depth of the systematic review process and are therefore potentially less rigorous. REA provide an informed conclusion on the volume and characteristics of an evidence base, a critical appraisal and formal weighting of that evidence and a synthesis of what the evidence indicates. They include a systematic map database of the studies included. An example of a REA conducted by the CEBA can be found here. An approach to the production of a REA can be found on the Joint Water Evidence Group website.